Month: February 2010

nikkicuc Leave a comment

Written Feb 23, 2010 12:33pm

In the darkness, there is always light.
Tomorrow we are headed to Disney with the girls.

After a battery of tests, and a week full of mind numbing reports,
we are taking a quick trip south to the Mouse House.

The girls excitement is so contagious. It has been the most uplifting day since this crazy train of our life derailed.
Sophia is literally jumping around singing “We are going to Disney!”
Once again, our Angels at work. Thank you.  You have no idea.

Quick update before we go…As we stand now, Dean is diagnosed with bi-lateral primary lung cancer-non small cell, which means it has moved from one lung to the other.
There are also three tumors on his brain. Two of which typically would affect his balance.
Anyone who has been to yoga with Dean or out for a paddle with him, knows his balance is so strong !
Crazy, right??!!
While this news sound so awful, we realize that the situation could be much worse and he is ready for the fight.
Seriously, do not be surprised if you see him running down the block.

His case is being reviewed by a panel of specialists at HUP who will collaborate a plan for treatment. The Oncologist on the panel is Dr. Corey Langer.
He has come very highly recommended and has a terrific success rate specifically treating Dean’s form of cancer.
We will meet with him on Tuesday to discuss the plan when we return.

Dean is in good spirits and feels good physically, we have a long road ahead, but like I said, One out of 100 ‘aint so bad’

Your love and support has been truly incredible and we know that we could not make it without each and every one of you.
We love you.
Keep praying.
Nicole, Dean, GIanna and Sophia

nikkicuc Leave a comment

Ok-

Still getting our head around all of this.
I cant believe I’m sending this email…
I think everyone on this list has gotten the latest updates on Dean…
if not-

official biopsy report reads-primary lung cancer

He is collecting all the tests that the oncologist will need to come up with a plan.
bone scan and torso scan are complete.
Monday-tomorrow he is having a brain scan
then on Tuesday a full body PET scan- this is going to be a big one-it will tell us if thee is cancer anywhere else in his body.

We are under the best care with our Primary Care Doc, Kevin Norton. He has made tons of calls and with the help of Tom Nugent, has gotten us moved up for biopsies and had lab results in record time.
He is truly our first angel along this path.

Deans mom Angel- very fitting name-is sorting through all of the oncology recommendations, and along with many others, doing the bulk of our research.
Dean is on Dr. Corey Langer’s schedule for March 9th but looks like well be getting moved up. He’s going to speak w him this week.

Kids know that “dad has some cancer on his lung, and we are working with the doctors to get rid of it”
that there will be alot of tests.
They do not see him as “sick” Probably because he feels ok.

It looks like were going to take the kids away this week thurs-sun-as long as it does not interfere with any opportunities to get in with he oncologist for the first visit.

You are all my front line…my prayers, feeders, kid drivers, researchers, supporters.
We will forge through this and come out the other side, with a clear picture of what really matters in life…that I am sure of.
No doubt this will be a shitty year, but one out of 100 is ok.

I think i’m going to set up a page on a cancer care website so that everyone can check in on him and we can update easily.
It helps organize meals, kid stuff and the like.
SO NOT my style of doing things…but it has proven to be helpful to many others.
I will get the link out as soon as I get it going.
Each of you will stay on my direct email line…for updates-if not by phone as well.

As for now…we have TONS of food coming in- TONS of research going on and TONS of love showering us in every direction.
Deans spirits are good- and the kids are taking this like its an ear infection.
Keep lifting our family up in Prayer..and maybe shoot him an encouraging text every once in a while.

Its tough to return all the phone calls, so bear with us.

We love you ALL SO MUCH!
GAME ON!
Nic

The Magic Kingdom

nikkicuc Leave a comment

Disney Day 1:

disney

Magic Kingdom- arrived just in time for the performance at Cinderellas Castle. Girls, Momm and Dad watched with jaws dropped.  It was as if it were put on just for us! Rides, rides, rides, VIP downtown prade seating. Crazy bog lollypops, Greasy French fries. Bibbity boppity hair salon.  Tear jerking fireworks!!!! Dinner with Mickey and Friends.  Highlights: Gianna – Chef Mickey, Sophia-hair updoo Dean-watchig the updoos Me- fireworks and te smiles on everyones faces. Thanks Angels! This is the perfect trip!
We love and miss you all! xxNDGS